Macarthur FC has partnered with the NSW Government to instigate a new community outreach program ‘Bulls in Schools’.
The program that will be based in south-west Sydney will be a partnership between A-League clubs Macarthur, Western Sydney Wanderers and the NSW government.
The deal is set to benefit up to 40,000 students and will focus on delivering football programs to school students within the region the clubs are based out of.
The Football in Schools Program that Bulls in Schools is a component of is set to be a major part of the upcoming NSW state budget.
The program will last for four years and will cost $14.5 million.
It is set to feature a wide range of initiatives that will aim to get more students to participate in sport.
These programs will mainly centre on after school programs and are set to be delivered both in-schools and on-site at the Bulls and Wanders A-league training facilities.
In the spirit of diversity, the program is set to include targeted female, multicultural, and all-abilities programs.
NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, spoke of the opportunity that this program will have for so many students.
“40,000 kids will be able to participate in football programs with some of the best footballers and coaches in our nation,” he said via press release.
“The Football in Schools Program will see more Western Sydney students participating in sport and enjoying the benefits of that it offers. “We understand that families in Western Sydney are feeling the crunch of cost-of-living pressures and this free program will ensure that no child regardless of their background or ability misses out.”
Prue Car, Member for Western Sydney and NSW Minister for Education, also added to these sentiments.
“Education is not just about books and laptops, some of the best lessons in life are on the sports field,” she said via press release.
“By working in partnership with the Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur FC, the Football in Schools Program will bring the classroom to the football pitch.”
Macarthur FC Chairman Gino Marra added to the club’s delight in being able to use this opportunity to engrain itself further in the south-west Sydney community.
“This commitment by the NSW Government into our Bulls in Schools and community program is a major investment into the future of south-west Sydney,” he said via press release.
“The key pillars our community programs are health & wellbeing, education and inclusion. We are proud to have had more than 60,000 children take part and today’s commitment from the state government will significantly expand the scope of our program across our region.”
This is a huge announcement both in terms of supporting the local community and developing football in NSW.
By having both major south-western Sydney clubs joined together on this program it shows the ability of major stake holders in the sport to come together for the sport and its next generation development.
Even though football at the highest level is naturally competitive, it is great to see clubs put aside these difference in order to help grow the game in diverse and inclusive ways.
